Geisinger expert: Athletes should pay close attention to fluid consumption at this time of year

DANVILLE - With fall sports resuming, many athletes are susceptible to heat-related injury or illness at this time of year because they don’t consume enough fluids, a Geisinger expert said.

“Hydration is one of the most important things an athlete should be aware of before participating in a sporting activity,” said Matthew McElroy, DO, a Geisinger sports medicine primary care physician. “This means drinking enough fluids to keep the body’s circulation and cooling systems working appropriately.”

Dr. McElroy discussed proper hydration on this week’s Toyota High School Sports Show on FOX 56 WOLF-TV. Dr. McElroy is the first in a series of Geisinger sports medicine experts offering wellness tips on the television show this fall. The show airs Saturdays at 10:30 p.m.
 
Water should be the drink of choice for athletes as it cools the body and quenches thirst, Dr. McElroy noted. For exercise lasting longer than one hour, the athlete may need to replace lost electrolytes with a sports drink such as Gatorade.

Dr. McElroy also encourages athletes to look at the ingredients in beverages. Some drinks offer an energy boost but may also contain caffeine, which can lead to dehydration.

“Our bodies are pretty amazing mechanisms to regulate the need for fluids,” Dr. McElroy said. “It’s simple: if you feel thirsty, make sure you drink.”

Warning signs of a problem include extreme thirst, irritability, headache and dizziness, muscle cramping and unusual fatigue, nausea and/or vomiting, hyperventilation, cessation of sweating.

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